Continuing with my “leadership behavioral change” rigor… I pondered (while being part of a broader discussion, of course!) on the real cost of change. If you’re thinking of a bruised ego… that’s not the right answer. It’s not about position. It’s not about risk. It’s not even about you!
But here’s what real, meaningful and long-lasting change costs:
- Time
- It’s about investing time to go 10 steps backward to take just two steps forward.
- It’s about failing, getting feedback, learning and doing it all over again.
- It’s about the process — trusting that it will work and stick to it despite the numerous times you fall off the course
- Patience
- You can’t possibly experience a change in a one-(wo)man island. You have to surround yourself with people who really care about you. Or at least count on you for results. And you know what that means, don’t you? Yes, feedback! That’s critical. You have to be patient and really, deeply (not just actively) listen to the feedback. Take time to reflect and listen to what’s been really said by these “stakeholders” and then work on it. Simple? Heck, yes! Easy? Heck, no!
- Accept that you’ll get upset, disappointed and hopeless. That’s natural and is part of the bigger picture.
- Money
- Time is money… you’re losing out on time… so, you’re losing out on money as well.
- Hire a coach or seek a mentor to help you through this journey. And they’re not cheap!
That my friend is the real cost of change. Here’s the best part — we all have it or can work towards developing (patience) or building (cash flow) them. The real question, however, is your willingness to change.